Car Shipping from California to New York
California to New York is a true coast-to-coast haul, roughly 2,800 miles between Los Angeles and New York City. Here's what it typically costs by city pair, how long it takes, and when demand peaks.
What It Typically Costs
Across the market, shipping a car from California to New York averages about $1,457, with most cross-country shipments falling between $1,000 and $2,450. Typical ranges for common city pairs look like this:
| Route | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to New York City | $1,000 to $1,600 | $1,500 to $2,375 |
| San Francisco to Yonkers | $1,025 to $1,625 | $1,550 to $2,425 |
| San Diego to Rochester | $1,075 to $1,700 | $1,600 to $2,550 |
| Sacramento to Buffalo | $1,000 to $1,600 | $1,525 to $2,400 |
Vehicle Modifiers
Two modifiers apply on top. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks add roughly $150 to $250 over a sedan, and an inoperable vehicle that needs a winch to load adds roughly $150 to $300.
See our non-running vehicle guideThese are typical market ranges, not a quote for your car. How shipping costs are calculated Your quote is based on your vehicle, your exact pickup and delivery locations, and your timing. Get a quote
How Long It Takes
A standard coast-to-coast delivery takes roughly 6 to 9 days once the car is picked up. Requesting expedited delivery to shorten that window costs significantly more.
See our guide to how car shipping worksWhen to Ship
The busiest moving window on this route runs from March through August, when higher seasonal demand pushes quotes up. Shipping outside that stretch, particularly in the colder months, generally gives you a better rate, and a flexible pickup window of a few days helps in any season.
Delivering in New York City
High-density areas like Manhattan and Brooklyn can be hard for a full-size carrier truck to reach. Delivery there occasionally carries a minor surcharge, or you may be asked to meet the driver just outside the narrow streets, so tell us the exact delivery address when you request a quote.
Open or Enclosed?
Open transport is the standard and most economical choice, and it's how most cars cross the country. Enclosed transport costs more, as the table shows, and is worth it for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles that need protection from weather and road debris over nearly 3,000 miles.
Is It Cheaper to Ship or Drive?
Driving a car across the country is often estimated at roughly $0.67 per mile in total operating cost, which puts the 2,800-mile drive from Los Angeles to New York City at nearly $1,900 before you add hotels at $100 to $150 a night, meals, and several days of your time. Against a typical open-transport range of $1,000 to $1,600, shipping is often the same cost or less. If you're moving two vehicles, it pulls further ahead. Shipping vs. driving explained
Shipping From New York to California
Direction changes the price. New York to California averages about $1,374, a little lower than the $1,457 average for California to New York. See New York to California
Looking at other long routes? See California to Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to New York?
The market average is about $1,457, with most shipments between $1,000 and $2,450. Los Angeles to New York City typically runs $1,000 to $1,600 open and $1,500 to $2,375 enclosed.
How long does it take to ship a car from California to New York?
Roughly 6 to 9 days once the car is picked up.
When is the busiest time to ship from California to New York?
March through August. Quotes tend to be higher in that window.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it?
For a route of about 2,800 miles, shipping is often the same cost or less once fuel, hotels, meals, and wear on the car are counted, especially if you're moving two vehicles.
How much extra does an SUV or a non-running car cost?
An SUV, minivan, or pickup typically adds $150 to $250, and a non-running vehicle typically adds $150 to $300.
Shipping a Car from California to New York?
Get a quote with your vehicle and pickup and delivery cities.